'Should Be Very Proud of What He’s Done’ - Ponting on Impactful David Warner's International Career

Former skipper Ricky Ponting has paid tribute to David Warner after his international retirement was confirmed following Australia's exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, saying the swashbuckling opener should be proud of what he has done in his career.

Australia needed Bangladesh to beat Afghanistan in the final Super 8 match for them to progress to the semi-final and keep their title hopes alive after their defeat to India earlier on Monday (June 24).

However, Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh in Kingstown to seal the last semifinal spot from Group 1, and in the process knocked out Australia, confirming the end of Warner's 15-year international career.

The 37-year-old had announced earlier this year that the T20 World Cup 2024 would be his last after he had confirmed his retirement from Tests and ODI in January. Warner scored 6 in his final international innings as Australia lost to India by 24 runs in their final Super 8 match.

And following the match, Ponting pulled his compatriot aside to offer some advice, as Warner begins to adjust to life without international cricket on the calendar. The former skipper revealed what he said to the retiring Warner.

"(I) put my arm around him. I said, '...just take a moment tonight to sit back by yourself and reflect on what's been an unbelievable career across all three formats for Australia'," Ponting was quoted as saying in ICC's Digital Daily show.

Ponting, who captained Warner in his early days in internationa cricket and also coached him in recent days, also added that it would be difficult to find another player like his compatriot, who has had a big impact in all three formats.

"We know he retired in the summer from test cricket, but you'll struggle to find a guy that's had as big an impact on all three forms in Australian cricket than David Warner has," Ponting added.

"I've been able to play with him, I've been able to coach him in the IPL the last couple of years and I really enjoy his company. So he should be very proud of what he's done."